WRITING FOR A DOCUMENTARY-Steps in documentary writing -The Documentary Film Treatment

WRITING FOR A DOCUMENTARY

By its very nature, in a documentary there has to be an element of establishment of the subject -results of subject research should be elaborate and logical. Also, enough time should be given to the development of the subject so that the theme of the documentary sinks into public mind. 

On a theme like literacy of rural women the subject research will 

1. include detailed figures of literates in the country and 
2. the number of women literates in a given society. 

 The documentary should try to provide a profile of  the tribe or caste or language profile of the village in which the documentary will be shot.  The research part of the documentary should provide clues to the scriptwriter to produce a shooting script. 

For documentary scripts words should follow visuals, but should be written in a narrative form. In a documentary narration a little more information needs to be given keeping in mind the interest of  the viewers. 

The technique of documentary writing is different from other two categories. 

1. The span of documentary is more elaborate. 
2. The narrations should include investigative data by which the logic behind the theme is established before the viewer. I
3. In the end, the viewer should be, in a position to feel the emergence of a message or should feel enriched with some information which is audio-visually communicated to him. 

Steps in documentary writing

 A Research

After the selection of theme, the message should be churned by the producer-director in his mind and research should be initiated on the theme. Here the story is regarding the Tirunelveli Kaani  People. Hence the first step would be to conduct a research about the area, the economics, - politics and sociology of Kaani People, as it was known in the history.

Curiosity 

The best research is done when there is a genuine desire on the part of the scriptwriter to learn more about the subject of his documentary. 

Quantity Vs Quality 

One of the more important questions that scriptwriters have is, “How much research is enough?” The quality of research is far more important than the quantity.

The ‘Strategy’ 

Almost every scriptwriter starts off with a research strategy.  It’s important to think about and list down every approach and every source you will use to gather information needed for research.

Field Research 

Since film is a visual medium, it is integral that a scriptwriter get an accurate picture of the visual information in the film. He could go to the various locations in which the film will be shot, or to locations where events took place earlier or will take place in the future.

Digging Deep 

Every scriptwriter wants to write a brilliant script and he  is digging deep and going beyond the facts.  

The ‘Heart’ of the issue 

The scriptwriter could find out more insightful details about the theme.

The ‘Root’ of the issue 

The scriptwriter would find out new and innovative trustful things

 The possibilities of branching out to explore 

The issue in greater detail is endless. The scriptwriter should then choose which of the details add value to the film.

Finding Challenges 

An issue, when explored in a film, is complete when there is  introduced that challenges or make think of the issue. 

The Documentary Film Treatment

 Treatment of the documentary is very different from the treatment or an a film or news film. In news film where the 'time span is very short and one has to hit the point directly. 

The next step would be the making of the film treatment, the fine of the story, the imaginative way of narrating a theme.

DOCUMENTARY STORYBOARD TEMPLATE

A storyboard will match up your written script with the visuals the viewer will see on the screen and the audio they will hear. 

 

NOTES:

• Length: The average length of a script is about 5-7 pages double-spaced. Before beginning your storyboard, be sure to read your script out loud at a normal pace to make sure it is not too long. 
• Suggested Times:  These times are only suggestions. These are suggested final run times, which will include not just the words you are saying, but also any other audio (interview clips, songs) and pauses for transitions. Your documentary can be no longer than 10 minutes. 
• Sections of your Documentary: The sections below are not required, but can be a good place to start. You get to decide how you divide up your documentary. No matter how you divide up your documentary, make sure you talk about what happened before, during, and after the main events of your topic. 
• Photos: Before you start using the storyboard template, you should have already collected a variety of visuals to be used in your documentary.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

• The Audio column will show the words the viewer is hearing. Copy your script into the Audio column. Use a new row each time the visual on the screen changes. The Audio column will include both the words in your narration as well as a transcript of any audio clips you plan on including (speeches, songs, etc.)
• Your visuals may be static (photos, newspapers, etc.) or video footage. You can paste a copy of the image into the Visual column, include a link to the saved file, or write a text description of the visual. Be sure to include the file name so you can find it later!
• Use the Notes column to write down any reminders for yourself that you may need to create your documentary.

 

SAMPLE

The following partial storyboard is courtesy of Neil Grube, who participated in National History Day in 2017.

Notes	Visual	Audio
Zoom in on Wheeler’s face.	Link to Google Doc	[Me]: In 1902, Wayne Wheeler became the general counsel of the Anti-Saloon League. Wheeler coalesced multiple early temperance groups by inventing and using lobby group tactics.
Be sure to use a high-resolution version of this picture.	Link to Google Doc	[Me]: United under Wheeler and welding enormous power, they took a stand for the passage of an amendment prohibiting alcohol.
Pan across the headline so you can read it.	Link to Google Doc	[Me]: As a result of their united power, the Prohibition amendment was ratified in 1919 and took effect in 1920

Introduction (1 minute)

General introduction to documentary. Incorporate thesis and theme words. Don’t have to label as “thesis” or put on screen in text. Remember it’ the road map to your project.

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 

Background/Build-Up (2 minutes 30 seconds)

Place your topic in historical context. What information do we need to know to understand your topic? What outside people, ideas, or events influenced your topic? Who are the main players? What events lead up to the main event?

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 

Main Event (2 minutes 30 seconds)

Major details about the main events in your topic. Include specific details about the most critical people and events related to your topic. This section generally covers a smaller time period (several months to several years).

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert

Row Below  Short- and Long-Term Impact (2 minutes 30 seconds)

What are some of the immediate reactions to the main event, shortly after it happened? What changed? New laws? New ways of thinking? Who was affected by the event? How was the world different after the main events of your topic? What is the long term significance? Were there intended/unintended consequences? Did it influence other historical events?

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 

Conclusion/Wrap-Up (1 minute)

Restate your thesis and theme connection. Focus on the main points you want your audience to take away. Why is this topic important in history?

Notes	Visual	Audio

Add more lines by right clicking in the table and selecting Insert Row Below

 3) After the shooting script which will give an idea of visualization it will have to be made into a break down script which will narrate:

1. Shot No. 
2. Summary of Action 
3. Costume  
4. Notes 
5. Props Cast

4) The next step will follow the  technical planning which will include 

(i) Cost of location shootings 

(ii) Studio recording 

(iii) Graphic treatment 

(iv) Sound effect 

(v) Visual effect 

(vi) Editing 

 (vii) cost of overheads 

(viii) Other expenses.

5) Planning stage of documentary will complete with a total pen sketch of its production, cost-time frame, shooting schedule and editing schedules worked out. 

6) In the given situation the pen sketch and subsequent scenario will narrate the entire sequence of shooting and the role of the anchor person -his acting schedules and visualisation of his presentation of the theme.

Read More

Television History. Television program template/format

 History Of Television

The history of television can be traced back to the 1800s. Before the invention of electronic television, mechanical televisions existed to scan an image and transmit it to a screen. John Logie Baird demonstrated his mechanical television in 1926, and it would take ten more years before the commercial production of televisions. Philo Farnsworth demonstrated the first successful electronic television in 1927. India first saw television as an experiment on 15th September 1959.

Television is one of the most popular sources of entertainment and information about the world.

The word television comes from the ancient Greek word “tele”, meaning far and the Latin word “visio”, which means sight.

TV was coined as a short form for television in 1948.

Television in the old days used CRT monitors. Modern televisions use LED or LCDs.

John Logie Baird invented the colour television in 1937.

Old televisions operated on simple antennas or cable networks.

Modern televisions are smart and very similar to mobile phones.

Televisions have been a source of endless entertainment for people for decades.

Television has both advantages and disadvantages

3. What are the main parts of a television?

A television consists of several key components: 

• Display Screen: The part where you see the images. Modern TVs use LCD, LED, or OLED technology to produce high-quality visuals.
• Tuner: This component receives the TV signals and decodes them into audio and video formats.
• Speakers: Built-in speakers that reproduce sound from the audio signals.
• Remote Control: A device that allows you to operate the TV from a distance, changing channels, adjusting volume, and navigating menus.
• Input Ports: Connectors for external devices like DVD players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.

4. How does television work?

TV works by using a camera to record pictures and sound. This information is converted into electric signals, which are then sent to a TV set. The TV changes these signals back into pictures and sound so we can enjoy our favourite programmes. 

5. What is a smart TV?

A smart TV is a television that connects to the internet, allowing you to stream content from various online platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and more. Smart TVs often come with built-in apps and features that let you browse the web, play games, and access social media. 

Advantages Of Watching Television

Here are some benefits of watching television:

1. Source Of Knowledge: News channels and educational programs on television are excellent sources of information on events worldwide, science and technology. Educational programs on television also help people learn new things.
2. Entertainment: Television is the most inexpensive source of entertainment for people, and it gives them the option to choose from entertainment such as music, movies, documentaries and reality shows.
3. It Is Motivational: Television gives people new ideas and informs them about what goes on. Many people are motivated by what they see on television and go on to make inventions and discoveries.

Disadvantages Of Watching Television

Some disadvantages of television:

1. It Is Addictive: Television’s endless shows can be addictive to many, and it can make people waste time when they binge-watch.
2. Fake Information: Television channels often create content with a plan, and people can also misuse them as a tool to spread false information.
3. Inappropriate Content: Televisions give little control over the type of content children watch when parents are not around, which can sometimes be harmfu

Anchor Introduction Script

It lays the foundation for a deeper connection with the audience, while setting the tone for the rest of the evening. This article explores the critical elements of an anchor introduction script, elucidating how it shapes the audience's first impression and ignites anticipation for the event's proceeding innings.

Anchor Introduction Script Sample 1

Anchor 1: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! With the sun setting on another beautiful day, we're just getting started here. I am [Anchor 1's name],

Anchor Introduction Script Sample 2

Anchor 1: Greetings, ladies and gentlemen! It's a beautiful day to celebrate [event focus], and we couldn't be happier to have you all with us. I'm [Anchor 1's name],

Read More

TV NEWS CHANNEL ORGANIZATIONAL SET UP

 

Every organization has its own organizational set up which makes it run. Looking at the TV channels set up, organizations are important. 

 Firstly it’s important to know government owned National broadcaster’s organisation Doordarshan. In India in every Doordarshan centre there is

 a Regional Director, under him 3 important departments are there. They are:

 1. Programme department 

2. Administrative Departments

 3. Technical department 

 1. Programme Department:

 In the programme department there is one functional producer. Under him or her more than one producer and an assistant producer is employed. The work of programme department is to produce interesting news, information and entertainment programmes. 

2. Administrative Department: The administrative departments looks after the mostly all the administrative work of the organisation. Under the administrative department all other department works. The department is headed by a section officer. 

3. Technical department: The department is run under the direct supervision of the Station Engineer. Under the central technical department, Executive Engineers run the show. The department has Programme transmission room, control room, electrical engineer, sound engineer and computer engineer. 

PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS: 

Other then government set up, various private channels have established multiple news channels. The organizational set up of private news channels is very different government channels. 

There is also a difference between each channels own set up.

 Private Television Channel President or Managing Director; Business Manager; Producer; Presenter; copy editor; Reporter President or Managing Director: 

He is the head of TV news channel. He is chief of the services, differently some channels has an owner who works as the representative of the owner. In some channels managing director is over all incharge, he looks after production advertisement, finance, etc along with management of liaisons and relationship. He is the decision making authority. 

To reduce his burden of work in some channels there maybe a vice-president who carries out these decisions taken by the managing director regarding smooth functioning and policy matters.

 There may be News Directors under the vice president. They work as head of news bureau, under their direct supervision the production and transmission of news is done. They give the direction to which news should be given imp. To do such work in some channels there maybe chief news editors, news editor has some assisting staff like news coordinator. He works as a bridge between Newsdesk and Editor. 

Personnel for Video Production

 Executive Producer- He is the boss of the production team & supervises. As the

administrative head of the team, the Executive Producer is appointed normally for a

series of programmes.

 Director/ Producer- He is the one who approves the script. In smaller productions,

the producer and director may be same. As the creative head of the production, the

producer is in charge of the technical aspects of a production.

 Scriptwriter- He writes the script for the production and he is responsible for coming

up with creative ideas and translating them into words that will be used in the

making of video. In the case if fiction, based on the storyboard and synopsis, the

scriptwriter pens the script.

 Production Assistance- He is responsible to make sure the script, talent, the

production, the production crew before the shoot proceeds. Other responsibilities

include holding rehearsals, organizing on location and co-operating.

 Production Manager-He is responsible to take care of production and production

within budget. He ensures that equipment, transport, talent, crew are in place for the

shoot. Managing the crew production team and also hiring equipments and personnel

for the post production.

 Cameraperson- He works with lighting director and set designer to get the right

mood and picture for the video. A cameraperson composes and reflects the mood

that the director desires for a shot.

 Set Designer- He is responsible for all the sets and looks at the location. He has

number of people working with him for designing the set. He takes charge for

procuring the right material to erect sets, decides on the place and size of the sets.

 Lighting Director- He is responsible for in charge of rigging up and controlling all

lighting equipments working with a number of assistance (also called gaffers) and

electricians. He makes sure that the set is well lit up as per the technical and

aesthetic requirements of a shot.

 Make-Up Artist- He designs and applies make-up to all artistes. The make-up artist

is helped, in the case of bigger production, by assistant make-up artist and

hairstylists.

 Costume Designer- He designs costume for the talent in a production. The CD

makes notes on the brief of every character in the video and what costumes and

accessories suit a character.

 Choreographer- He is in charge of all composing dance sequence in a production.

Often working with a number of assistants and working in close co-ordination with

the director, the music composer, set designer, cameraperson, and lighting director.

 Properties Manager- He is responsible for all the properties needed on a set are

ready. Properties required for the particular shoot.

 Audio Engineer- He is in responsible for overall sound levels, balance and quality of

sound. He is in charge for overall sound levels, balance, and quality of sound. He is

also involved in post-production during dubbing, mixing tracks, etc

 Electrical Engineer-He is responsible for all power requirements for production.

Manages all equipment, right from a power generator to cables and connectors.

 Music Director- He is in charge of music requirements for a production and

composes original tracks or use available music with permissions.

 Graphic Engineer- He is responsible for graphics used on the video.

 Video Editor- He is responsible who operates production equipment-the linear &

non-linear editing machines. He works in close association with director in making

creative decisions in shaping the production. In smaller production, the VE also

creates graphics. In large productions involving complex graphic work.

 Talent- Actors who are playing a role or those who appear in front of the camera as

themselves-newscasters, anchorpersons, interviewers, personalities, contestants.

They are non technical workers like directors/producers, scriptwriters, set designers

etc...

Personnel for News

 News Editor- He is the captain of TV news as he is responsible for all news

appearing on the channel. The NE sets the policies, hires and fires other personnel,

and works with other department in the channel. The NE provides direction to the

channel.

 News Producer-He is the one who collates & packages stories from various sources

for a bulletin. She also ensures that all videos/audios/graphics required for a story

are in place.

 Chief reporter/assignments editor- He instructs reporters and camerapersons to cover

specific events. The CR depends on press notes or engagements or personal contacts

to assign a story.

 Reporter/Correspondent- He ensures that the visuals required for a story reach the

station. The reporter also does interviews, vox-populi (voice of people), piece of

camera (stand ups) & writes story for a newscast.

 Cameraperson- He operates the camera to cover an event. He is responsible to

provide good visuals and cutaways as also good audio required for a story.

 Video Editor- He edits the video inputs from the reporter in accordance to latter’s

story script. He also transmits the edited story to the station through VSAT (Very

Small Aperture Terminal).

 Voice-Over Artist- He provides the commentary. He provides background

commentary for the news story.

 Anchor/ Newscaster- He reads out in Lead-in to a news story. They also interviews

experts on the panel on live shows.

 Weathercasters/Sportscasters-He present weather or sports report.

 Multimedia Producer-He ensures that all stories are written for the channel websites

and update it on regular basis. He ensures images, graphics and illustrations and all

other content on the websites.

 Producer: There may be more than one producer in one news channels. A group of producers prepare news bulletin. Daily news bulletin is prepared under the direct supervision of first producers.To prepare hourly bulletin is his main work. He is also called the bulletin producer. 

The second category producers are called programme producers. By transmission of fresh news they engage viewers, is his chief motive, News channels work 24x7 so every time different news transmission. 

Copy Editor: To help the producers, a group of copy editors work, every time when new news comes in it is their duty to prepare correct and speedy bulletin. 

Presenter: They are the face of the channel. General public know the channel through the news caster or anchor. They are very popular among general public. The popular and reliability of a news channel depends upon a good news caster. Viewers regularly see the channels because of the presentation skills of the anchor. Their main job is to present the news in proper manner.

 Reporter: The backbone of a TV news channel is the reporter. They are connected to the society, they reach the spot as soon as they get information were the incident has happened and get the information. They immediately inform the office about the event. Main duty to send collected info to news desk, due active dedicated work of news reporter the news channel becomes lively. 

Cameraperson: Those who accompany the reporters to the incident spot and take photos or videos are known are camerapersons. Understanding the importance of the event and morality of journalism they take the pictures with care. Persons discussed above work under the news division. 

In addition to this a team of technical persons work in news channel. IT, RF broadcast, MCR, PCR, Electricals, Electronic, sound are the technical persons. Without their help it is not possible to telecast news in time. 

Business Manager: In addition to this every news channel has a business manager. Under him a number of business executives. Their main work is to collect revenues through advertisements. Along with this they also try to improve viewership of the channel. 

 Editor: The editor links write-up received from different sources are with visuals with proper timing and editing. They remain present in the editing room meticulously edit and connect the news write-up and visuals eliminating the unnecessary part. They maintain the balance and equality in every news item.

Read More

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive dissonance theory, proposed by The psychologist Festinger  in 1957. It focuses on the discomfort felt when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, leading individuals to seek consistency.  According to dissonance theory, self-esteem is threatened by inconsistency.

Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort a person feels when their behavior does not align with their values or beliefs. 

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person holds two contradictory beliefs at the same time.

 In his book “A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance,” Festinger proposed that two ideas can be consonant or dissonant. Consonant ideas logically flow from one another. Dissonant ideas oppose one another.

Examples of cognitive dissonance

Some examples of cognitive dissonance include:

Smoking

The following demonstrates how smoking can result in cognitive dissonance:

• Conflict: Many people smoke even though they know it is harmful to their health. The magnitude of the dissonance will be higher in people who highly value their health.
• Cognitive dissonance: A person may dislike the physical side effects of smoking but feel the act of smoking is relaxing and helps in other ways, such as alleviating their stress.
• Resolving cognitive dissonance: They may use nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum or patches, to feel the effects of nicotine with fewer adverse effects. This may help them cut down or quit smoking.

 

What Causes Cognitive Dissonance?

• 1. Forced Compliance Behavior
• When someone is forced to do (publicly) something they (privately) really don’t want to do, dissonance is created between their cognition (I didn’t want to do this) and their behavior (I did it). Forced compliance occurs when an individual performs an action that is inconsistent with his or her beliefs.
• 
  
• 2. Decision Making

Life is filled with decisions, and decisions  arouse dissonance. For example, suppose you had to decide whether to accept a job in film industry.  If you took the job in film industry you would miss your immediate earning; if you turned the job down, you would not get the fame in future.

3. Effort

It also seems to be the case that we value most highly those goals or items which have required considerable effort to achieve.  This is probably because dissonance would be caused if we spent a great effort to achieve something and then evaluated it negatively.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory Assumptions

Here are the main assumptions of the Cognitive Dissonance Theory:

• People have an innate drive for consistency among their cognitions. Cognitions include attitudes, beliefs, values, knowledge, and perceptions. When there is inconsistency or discrepancy among cognitions, it results in psychological discomfort, known as cognitive dissonance.
• Cognitive dissonance is an aversive (causing strong dislike) drive state that motivates people to regain consistency and reduce dissonance. When cognitions are  inconsistent, individuals feel the need to align their cognition and resolve the inconsistency to achieve unity and reduce discomfort.
• The magnitude of dissonance and the desire to reduce it depends on the importance of the cognitions. The more relevant and significant the inconsistent cognitions are, the greater the need to resolve the dissonance and achieve consistency.
• People are motivated to reduce cognitive dissonance through various strategies: changing attitudes, adding new cognitions, discounting the importance of certain cognitions, avoiding dissonant information, and focusing on consonant information. These strategies help align cognitions and regain consistency.
• Once unity is achieved, the dissonance is reduced, and the drive state is eliminated. People then feel psychological comfort once their cognitions are in harmony and consistent.

 Cognitive Dissonance Theory Limitations

Here are the main limitations of the Cognitive Dissonance Theory have been stated below.

• It focuses too much on rational methods and underrates the role of emotion. Dissonance reduction strategies may be driven more by affective and emotional factors rather than purely rational processes.
• People can tolerate and live with certain denials.
• It overestimates people's awareness of cognitive dissonance. Many instances of dissonance may operate below conscious awareness, and people may not realize they are engaging in dissonance reduction strategies.
•  Some people seem to be more bothered by inconsistencies than others. The theory does not account for these differences.
• The theory does not provide a framework for quantifying the magnitude of dissonance in different cases.
• Dissonance reduction systems are more complex than the theory suggests
• The impact of the social environment is underemphasized. Social and cultural factors influence dissonance and strategies for reducing it.
• The theory focuses mainly on cognitive change and does not consider the role of behavioural change in dissonance reduction. Behavioural adjustment may also be used to resolve inconsistencies.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html 

https://testbook.com/ugc-net-commerce/dissonance-theory

https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-dissonance.html

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

1. Who proposed the theory of cognitive dissonance?
2. What is cognitive dissonance?
3. What is the relationship between cognitive dissonance and self-esteem?

Examples of Cognitive Dissonance

1. How can smoking lead to cognitive dissonance?
2. How can people resolve cognitive dissonance related to smoking?

Causes of Cognitive Dissonance

1. What is forced compliance behavior?
2. How can decision-making lead to cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive Dissonance Theory Assumptions

1. What is the innate drive for consistency among cognitions?
2. How does the magnitude of dissonance influence the desire to reduce it?

Cognitive Dissonance Theory Limitations

1. What is a major limitation of the theory in terms of emotion?
2. What does the theory underestimate about people's awareness of cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance theory, while influential, has several limitations:

Overemphasis on Rationality

• Underplays Emotional Factors: The theory often focuses too much on rational methods and underestimates the role of emotions in dissonance reduction.
• Individual Differences: Some people may be more tolerant of inconsistencies than others, which the theory doesn't fully address.

Limited Awareness

• Subconscious Dissonance: Many instances of dissonance may operate below conscious awareness, making it difficult to measure or study.

Simplicity

• Complexity of Dissonance Reduction: Dissonance reduction strategies are often more complex than the theory suggests, involving a wider range of tactics.

Neglect of Social Factors

• Cultural Influence: The theory underemphasizes the impact of social and cultural factors on dissonance and its resolution.

Focus on Cognitive Change

• Behavioral Change: The theory primarily focuses on cognitive change to reduce dissonance, neglecting the role of behavioral adjustments.

Difficulty in Quantification

• Measuring Dissonance: The theory doesn't provide a clear framework for quantifying the magnitude of dissonance in different cases.

Overestimation of Consistency Drive

• Tolerance for Inconsistency: Some people may be more willing to tolerate inconsistencies than others, challenging the theory's assumption of a strong drive for consistency.

Read More